Industry update: more on the FIFA World Cup™ venues, fan involvement and sustainability initiatives

Read more on fan involvement at Manchester City, a returnable beaker system at Borussia Dortmund, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics sustainability plan, the Al Bayt Stadium - Al Khor City, etc. in this short industry update by ESSMA.

Sustainability & SMART

Following a petition by a fan, Borussia Dortmund will introduce a returnable beaker system for drinks to cut down on its single-use plastics. Currently the club is already using recyclable cornstarch beakers to serve beer.

For the 2019-2022 cycle, FIFA will invest $10 million in its sustainability , human rights and anti-discrimination programme. Moreover, a $67 million budget has been set aside to invest in women’s football development.

With the ‘Be better, together - for the planet and the people’sustainability plan, the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo aim to re-use and recycle 99% of procured goods and items. Other measures include 100% electricity from renewable sources and initiatives to encourage sustainable living.

Construction timelapse of the 60,000 Al Bayt Stadium - Al Khor City, one of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™:

After missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ bid which has been won by Canada, USA and Mexico, Morocco is preparing its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup™.

Fan Experience

Manchester City launched the ‘City Matters’ initiative. In total 11 voluntary members will be appointed to discuss a wide range of issues and topics with senior Club representatives. The 11 voluntary members will be appointed (by voting) to represent the following demographic groups: families & young people, under 25s, over 65s, LGBTQ fans, seasoncard holders, female fans, disabled fans, official supporters club, BAME fans, seasonal hospitality and local residents.

Compared to the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, numerous new technologies have been implemented in Russia. Including Video Assisted Referees (VAR), Goal-Line Tech (via a smartwatch, referees can determine whether it’s a goal), live (VR and social) streaming, game balls are integrated with an embedded NFC chip, etc.

As part of a new rights partnership, Birmingham City’s stadium will be named the St Andrew’s Trillions Trophy Stadium. Furthermore, their Wast Hills training centre will also be renamed to Trillion Trophy training centre.